Staff Attorney—Legal Services Practice

Detroit, MI

The Detroit Justice Center (DJC) seeks a full-time Staff Attorney for our Legal Services Practice. DJC is founded on the belief that we cannot build cities that work for everyone without remedying the impacts of mass incarceration and transforming our justice system. This mission requires new ways of community lawyering—rooted in defensive and offensive fights for racial justice and economic equity—that build up our poorest residents through direct services and innovative approaches to land use, housing, and employment. The Legal Services Practice Staff Attorney will provide direct representation to clients, working to remove legal barriers (such as warrants, criminal records, suspended licenses, and fines and fees) that prevent court-involved individuals and other vulnerable residents from participating in Detroit’s economy.

Position Overview

The Staff Attorney will help clients navigate and overcome legal barriers stemming from incarceration or criminal justice system involvement. Through the work of our Legal Services Practice Attorneys, DJC aims to increase access to housing, employment, family reunification, and financial stability for low-income Detroiters.

The Staff Attorney will work under the direct supervision of the Legal Director and in collaboration with their fellow attorneys across practice areas. This is a rewarding and exciting position where the successful applicant will engage in innovative community lawyering work, serving clients as part of DJC’s broader mission to promote Just Cities.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Conduct intakes, provide legal advice and support, make strong referrals, and take on cases for representation as appropriate;

Identify issues that need a “systems change” solution, and elevate them to DJC leadership;

Support PR, development, communications, and storytelling projects as needed;

Oversee and supervise legal interns;

Conduct administrative tasks as needed.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate for this position will have a deep passion for DJC’s mission; a demonstrated commitment to social, racial, and criminal justice; a desire to democratize access to the law by promoting legal education and legal empowerment in marginalized communities; the ability to sustain and develop a broad set of relationships with people from diverse backgrounds; energy and enthusiasm.

Excellent time management. Ability to produce high quality work on tight deadlines;

Demonstrated ability to take initiative;

Enthusiasm for working at a progressive new organization;

Passion for social justice, criminal justice, and community-oriented work required;

Excellent professional judgment;

Ability to hit the ground working, multi-task, and work independently.

DJC offers salary commensurate with experience plus benefits. DJC is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. People of color, women, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, and individuals with past involvement in the justice system or who have loved ones currently or formerly in the justice system are strongly encouraged to apply.

To Apply:Please send a cover letter, resume, legal writing sample, and at least two references in one Word or PDF file by October 1, 2018 to jobs@detroitjustice.org with the subject: “DJC Staff Attorney—Legal Services Practice.” Please mention in your cover letter where you saw this advertisement. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please refrain from contacting the office to check on the status of your application.